MEMBERS JAMES M. CAMERON, JR.
CHAIRPERSON CRAIG H. LUBBEN
VICE-CHAIRPERSON SYLVIA P. WHITMER, Ph.D. SECRETARY ROSALIND E. GRIFFIN, M.D. CARL E. VER SEEK LAWRENCE G. CAMPBELL DULCE M. FULLER LOUANN VAN DER WIELE MICHAEL MURRAY
STATE OF MICHIGAN ATTORNEY DISCIPLINE BOARD
211 WEST FORT STREET, SUITE 1410 DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48226-3236 PHONE: 313-963-5553 I FAX: 313-963-5571
MARK A. ARMITAGE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WENDY A. NEELEY DEPUTY DIRECTOR
SHERRY l. MIFSUD OFFICE ADMINISTRA TOR JENNIFER M. PETTY PARALEGAL KATHLEEN PHILLIPS CASE MANAGER ALLYSON M. PLOURDE CASE MANAGER JULIE M. LOISELLE RECEPTIONIST
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case No. 13-114-GA Notice Issued: August 6, 2014
Stephen P. Fitzgerald, P 69229, Detroit, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #14. 1. Suspension - 180 Days 2. Effective August 1, 2014 1 Respondent did not appear at the hearing and was found to be in default for his failure to file an answer to the formal complaint. Based on respondent's default, the hearing panel found that respondent. who had been retained to negotiate a resolution of a default judgment, neglected the matter, in violation of MRPC 1.1 (c); failed to seek the lawful objectives of his client, in violation of MRPC 1.2(a); failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness, in violation of MRPC 1.3; failed to keep his client reasonably informed of the status of a matter, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); failed to explain a matter to his client to the extent necessary to permit her to make informed decisions regarding the representation, in violation of MRPC 1.4(b); failed to refund the unearned portion of an advanced fee, in violation of MRPC 1.16(d); knowingly failed to respond to a lawful demand for information from a disciplinary authority, in violation of MRPC 8.1 (a)(2); and failed to answer the request for investigation, in violation of MCR 9.1 13 and MCR 9.104(7). The panel also
found that respondent's conduct violated MRPC 8.4(a) and (c). and MCR 9.104(1), (3) and (4).
The panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 180 days and that he pay restitution in the amount of $450.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,728.45.
Mark A. Armitage Dated: AUG - 6 2114
1 Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since April 17, 2014. Please see Notice of Interim Suspension Pursuant to MCR 9.115(H)(1) issued April 17, 2014.